Mitchel Chere MD.

Dr. Chere received a Bachelor of Science in 1969 from the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Great Neck, Long Island, New York. He later went to the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut where he completed his pre-med requirements, and then to the University of Autonoma of Guadalajara School of Medicine in Guadalajara, Mexico where he graduated with a Doctor of Medicine in 1978. Continuing his medical education, he went to the University of Connecticut School of Medicine in Farmington, CT where he had a Fifth Pathway Medical Externship from 1979 – 1980 followed by an OB/GYN Residency from 1980-1984, also at the Uconn Health Center.

Dr. Chere’s clinical experience before his work at the Naugatuck Valley Ob-Gyn includes his residency at the University of Connecticut Health Center in Farmington, CT as well as a residency at the New Britain General Hospital from 1980-1984. Previous to his two residencies, Dr. Chere worked at St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center and St. Mary’s Hospital.
Aside from graduating first in his class, Dr. Chere was also President of his class in medical school. Dr. Chere has been selected three times by Connecticut Magazine as one of the best doctors in Connecticut as well as being listed in publications of the Best Doctors in New England and the Best Doctors in America.

Dr. Chere has achieved many outstanding certifications and appointments throughout his career. These achievements include: Chief Resident with the Department of OB/GYN at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine and the New Britain General Hospital in 1983, Board Certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1984 and recertified in 1995, Director of Medical Students and Resident Education with the Department of OB/GYN at St. Mary’s Hospital in 1984, Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine Department of OB/GYN from 1988-present, Certification of Advanced Operative Laparoscopy, Vice President of St. Mary’s IPA in Waterbury, CT from 1995-1998, Chairman of Utilization Management Oversite Committee at St. Mary’s Hospital from 1996-1998, Director of Quality of Utilization Management at St. Mary’s Hospital from 1996-1998, a member of the Board of Directors at St. Mary’s PHO from 1995-present, and President of St. Mary’s PHO from 1998-present.
In addition to these many prestigious achievements, Dr. Chere is also a member of the following professional organizations: The American Medical Association, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CT State Medical Society, Greater Hartford OB/GYN Society, American Association of GYN Laparoscopy Gynecologic Laparoscoists, Society of Laparoscopics Surgeons, American Association of PHO’s, National Association Managed Care Physicians, American College of Physician Executives, and the Medical Leadership Council.

Dr. Chere has two passions outside of work - his family and athletics. He was a three varsity sport athlete in college and had several minor league opportunities. He still manages to coach youth soccer and basketball throughout the year. His spare time is spent with his family, usually at youth sporting events or in the backyard.

David R. Polke, M.D.

Dr. Polke first received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1979 from the University of Connecticut, followed by a Master of Science in 1982 from the University of Bridgeport, and lastly a Doctor of Medicine in 1986 from the University of Connecticut in Farmington, CT.

While in college, Dr. Polke worked at the Bridgeport Hospital serving as an intern at the (1986-1987), as a resident (1987-1989), and a Chief Resident (1989-1990).

Dr. Polke is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and was also a diplomate for the National Board of Medical Examiners in 1987. He also has good standing memberships in the following professional organizations: American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (fellow), American Medical Association, American Institute of Ultrasound and Medicine, New Haven Medical Society, New York Academy of Sciences, Connecticut State Medical Society, Connecticut Society of Obstetrics and Gynecologists, American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists, Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons, and Accreditation Council for Gynecologic Endoscopy.

In addition to his many outstanding memberships, Dr. Polke has also been awarded several awards, including Phi Kappa Phi (1978), Phi Beta Kappa (1979), American Medical Association Recognition Award, and the American Association of Gynecology Laparoscopists Outstanding Resident in Endoscopy Award (1990). Dr. Polke also has several appointments on hospital staffs. These include the Visiting Courtesy Staff at the Bridgeport Hospital (1990-present), Active Staff at St. Mary’s Hospital (1990-present), the Courtesy Staff at the Waterbury Hospital (1994-present), and position as the Chairman of the Department of OB/GYN at St. Mary’s Hospital (1996-1998).
As an avid hunter and fisherman, Dr. Polke has traveled throughout the world to places such as the North Pole, Antarctica, and Russia. He also enjoys hunting and fishing locally with his family and attending his children’s sporting events.

Dr. Albini began his education at the University of Connecticut where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in 1981 and a Master of Science in 1983. He was awarded his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1987 from St. George’s University School of Medicine. Upon returning, he became a Resident of Internal Medicine at St. Mary’s Hospital from 1987 – 1989 and then completed a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Connecticut in Farmington, Connecticut from 1989 – 1993.

Dr. Albini is licensed by the State of Connecticut (1989) and is board certified and a Diplomat of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (1996). He has been awarded numerous prestigious awards. These awards and distinctions include: an Honorable Mention for the abstract "Idiopathic Esophageal Varices" in 1989 from the American College of Physicians (Clinical Vignette Competition), Outstanding Achievement Award for Excellence in Urogynecology (1990 – 1991) from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Parke-Davis Scholar (1993) by the Educational Foundation of the Association of Professors of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Outstanding Resident in Gynecology Endoscopy (1993) by the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists, Dorfman Award for Excellence in Patient Care (1993) by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine and the Alumni Award of Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching (1993) by the University of Connecticut. He served as President of the University of Connecticut OB/GYN Society from 1995-1996.

After entering private practice, Dr. Albini was awarded the Specialty Surgical Teaching Award for Excellence and Dedication to Resident Teaching in a Surgical Specialty (1996) by the Department of Surgery at St. Mary’s Hospital, the Faculty Recognition Award (1998) by St. Mary’s Hospital’s CME Committee, Monsignor James G. Coleman Alumni Award (1998) by Sacred Heart High School, the Physician’s Recognition Award (1998-2001) by the American Medical Association and the Health Professional Award (2000) from the La Leche League of Connecticut.
In addition to these numerous awards, Dr. Albini is a member of the following professional organizations: American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (fellow), American Medical Association, American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists, American Society of Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology, New England Obstetrical and Gynecological Society, and the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine.

Dr. Albini is the Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at St. Mary’s Hospital (1999-present) and has served on numerous hospital committees. He is an attending Obstetrician and Gynecologist at St. Mary’s Hospital and the Waterbury Hospital Health Center. He is an editorial consultant for the Journal of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (Ad Hoc Review Committee) and an Assistant Clinical Professor in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine in Farmington, Connecticut.

Dr. Albini has numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals. His research has been presented both nationally and internationally. He currently is actively involved in research on early pregnancy loss and novel therapies for the treatment of gynecologic cancer. He also is actively involved in alternative therapies in Obstetrics and Gynecology including non-hormonal treatments for menopause and waterbirth.

Dr. Albini lives in Woodbury, Connecticut with his wife, Shelley and their three children, Lia, Alexandra and Mark.

Linda M. Matonis MD

Dr. Linda Matonis graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences from Stanford University in 1986. Upon graduating from Stanford, Dr. Matonis received her Doctor of Medicine in 1991 from the New York Medical College.

After completing medical school, Dr. Matonis’ residency training was at the University of Connecticut Health Center in Farmington, CT, where she was a resident from 1991 – 1994 and the Chief Resident/Clinical Instructor from 1994 – 1995.

Dr. Matonis’ certifications and licensures include Diplomate and certified board member of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (1997), the National Boards (1992), Connecticut State License (1994), and Illinois State License (1995). Additionally, Dr. Matonis has received specialized training in obstetric ultrasound and advanced operative and laser laparoscopy surgical technique.

Before joining Naugatuck Valley Ob-Gyn Associates in 1996, Dr. Matonis practiced Obstetrics and Gynecology with the Meyer Medical Group, a large multi-specialty group practice, in Chicago, IL.
Dr. Matonis became a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society due to her standing in the top 10% of her class at New York Medical College. She is also a member in good standing with the American Medical Association (AMA), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the American Association of Gynecology Laparoscopists (AAGL). She has also received multiple awards, including Alpha Omega Alpha (1990), the Janet M. Glasgow Memorial Achievement Award, (1991), and the Resident Award for Excellence in Laparoscopic Surgery (1995).

Aside from her practice, Dr. Matonis enjoys skiing, volleyball, scuba diving, horseback riding, and hiking with her husband, a chiropractor in Wolcott, and her golden retriever puppy.